| Home About Us Resources Programme
Contact Gallery |
WORKSHOPS & MASTERCLASSES 2012 The following courses scheduled to run during 2012. If you're interested in a course, download the booking form, fill it out and send it to us with the relevant fee. Any further queries to info@leitirmsculpturecentre.com. Download Workshop Programme 2012 Artistic Processes: Digital Design | Printmaking | Bronze Foundry, Forge & Metal | Glass | Stone & Wood | Mouldmaking | Professional Development | Ceramics Digital Printmaking Dates: 10th & 11th March | 1st & 2nd December
Majella Clancy was awarded the Tyrone Guthrie Bursary in 2007 and her residencies include ‘Artist in Context’ for COOPERATIONS in Luxembourg 2001. As well as showing extensively in Ireland, USA and China, Majella has been visiting lecturer at the University of Belfast since 2005. See www.majellaclancy.com Digital Design & Graphics Dates: 28th & 29th April | 6th & 7th October
You will demonstrate effective use of colour, typography, imagery and production skills to make effective design layouts, which meet industry standards. Participants will initially be taken through the basics of photoshop, illustrator and in-design. More advanced work on the second day will include tips and solutions for typical problems found by the non-expert. Artists are encouraged to bring along current assignments they would like help with or a list of specific tasks they would like to master. Ciarán Clancy is a Graphic and Web Designer based in Leitrim. He has a Bachelors Degree in Digital Media and has studied and worked in Letterkenny and Dublin. Ciarán has recently set up his own Graphic Design and Web Design business in Leitrim called Taobh Bán. See www.taobhban.com Contemporary Printmaking - MASTERCLASS Dates: 22nd, 23rd, 24th June
Areas covered: Initial drawing with image selection coupled with mono-printing techniques and new processes. A non- toxic approach to etching and dry point, using a combination of traditional and water based grounds. Relief and Woodcuts covering hand print techniques and the use of the press. Pete Williams is an artist and director of the Print Market Project that is an exciting new venture, which has developed from the Print Market Workshop, based Cardiff. We are now moving forward to encompass not only our primary interest in print but to involvement in a wider range of art based projects- providing the possibility of a more flexible environment for fine art to flourish. We are instigating the opportunity for international exchange and commission based work that now includes sculptural activities. See www.printmarketworkshop.com Traditional & Contemporary (Intaglio) Printmaking Dates: 3rd & 4th March| 21st & 22nd July | 6th & 7th October
This two-day workshop is designed for participants to further develop their interest in printmaking. Building upon previous knowledge, it introduces them to a series of traditional and contemporary printmaking techniques. Small classes ensure more press time and interaction with the tutor. The participants are encouraged to experiment with each process and develop their own prints while they learn. Areas covered: initial drawing with image selection, monoprinting techniques, dry point, hard and soft ground, chine colle, carborundum and multi-plate printmaking. Deirdre Nolan studied Fine Art painting at Dublin Institute of Technology and subsequently Art and Design Education at the Crawford College of Art, Cork. She studied Printmaking in Italy and Germany and currently teaches Portfolio Preparation in Dublin. She is a member of the Graphic Studio, Dublin and has participated in many group shows. She divides her time between Leitrim and Dublin. Bronze Foundry, Forge & Metal Work Bronze Casting Using Solid InvestmentTutor: Tim Morris Dates: Fri 30th March to Mon 2nd April |
Fri 16th to Mon 19th November
On this course, you will get to make and pour one, sometimes two, moulds, depending upon their size and complexity. Generally, a beginner will come away with one (or two) bronze(s) (for example a 6" statue or axe head). You may not have time to file and clean two, but this can be done in your own time. Finished bronzes can then be patinated on the Patination Workshop. Your work will be weighed on the last day and anything over 10lbs will be charged at €5 / lb. Two 6" statues will generally be less than 10lbs, so for most people, no extra payment will be necessary. Tim Morris is an artist who has worked with bronze for many years.
Sandcasting in Bronze & Aluminium Workshop Dates: Sun 25th March |
Sun 28th October
In this workshop, participants will learn how to make a sand mould from a solid original, otherwise known as a “pattern”. Bring with you a suitable pattern* and in a few hours you will have a bronze or aluminium casting of that piece! Fettling and basic finishing will be done at the end of the class. *Advice on suitable patterns (flat-backed or two-part, with no undercuts) will be emailed to you when you book the workshop. Everyday and found objects (bones, shells, nuts, household items) can lend themselves nicely to moulding, as well as your original sculpted patterns.
Kate Oram received a degree in Wood, Metal, Ceramics and Plastics from Brighton University in 1991, specialising in metal and wood. She has run her design workshop for 17 years, working in copper and bronze as well as aluminium, silver, steel, wood , Perspex, concrete and stone. Metal Fabrication Dates: Sat 10th & Sun 11th March | Sat 6th & Sun 7th Oct
Michael O’Hara is an artist and a part time lecturer in sculpture at Dublin Institute of Technology. O’Hara has shown extensively within Ireland and is a well known expert in metal fabrication techniques. Patination & Finishing of Metal Dates: Thurs 31st May - Fri 1st June | Sat 22nd & Sun 23rd Sept
Keith Alan Seybert received masters’ degrees in Sculpture, and Glass and Ceramics from Washington University, St. Louis in 1987 and 1995. He has led numerous workshops in a variety of glass and sculpture techniques in the US, Europe and beyond. From 1999 to 2001 he was a Senior Researcher at the Royal College of Art, London, where he headed an in-depth examination of investment type refractory moulds for casting glass and bronze; a topic he has lectured on at many international venues including 2002 and 2009 at the annual conference of the Glass Art Society. He currently lives in Ireland and works in his Blarney studio. Woodcarving Dates: Sat 5th, Sun 6th & Mon 7th May | Fri 7th, Sat 8th & Sun 9th Sept
Charlie Easterfield is an expert in wood carving techniques working in a variety of woods and methods. Based near Manorhamilton Easterfield has taught woodcarving for many years and exhibited in Ireland and the UK.
Traditional Woodturning Dates: Sat 19th May & Sun 20th May- Spindle
| Sat 29th, 30th Sept - Bowl
David Spence is based in the Sculpture Centre working in a variety of medias. He has a background in model engineering and patternmaking. See
Stone Carving Dates: Sat 2nd - Mon 4th June | Sat 28th, 29th, 30th Sept
Jackie McKenna is a co-founder of the Leitrim Sculpture Centre and a driving force for establishing a centre for excellence in stone in Ireland. McKenna has completed many public commissions and is an expert in the use of stone in both public space and as a fine art practice. Stone Lettercutting Dates: Sat 28th & Sun 29th April | Sat 8th & Sun 9th Sept
Seamus Dunbar is a co-founder of the Leitrim Sculpture Centre and has exhibited throughout Ireland. Dunbar lives and practices in Manorhamilton. Glassblowing for Beginners
In this two-day workshop participants explore the extraordinary medium of hot glass. You will learn how to gather glass out of the furnace, to control and shape the hot glass, to blow a bubble and make a simple vessel. Working in two small teams, the emphasis of this course is hands-on experience, with demos and support from an experienced glassblower. This is one of our most popular workshops and sells out fast. View our State of the art facilities.
Louise Rice is based at the Sculpture Centre in Manorhamilton and studied glass at Edinburgh College of Art and the Rietveld Acadamie in Amsterdam. Rice has work in Ulster Museum, and National Glass Museum, Netherlands. Graham Reid received a Bachelors degree in Sculptural Glass from Massachusetts College Of Art. He built Knockbeg Studios where he taught glassblowing, and now works as sculptor in glass, wood and metal from his Studio in Sligo. Sandcasting with Hot Glass Dates: Sat 28th & Sun 29th April | Mon 24th & Tue 25th Sept
Hot Glass-casting into Zircar Moulds Workshop Dates: Mon 24th Tue 25th & Wed 26th Sept
Participants must bring in wax objects to use in the moulding process. Appropriate footwear is a must: leather boots preferred, leather shoes acceptable; No open toed shoes or sandals! Mouldmaking - From Model to Cast Bronze or Kiln-Cast Glass This series of 3, professional, in-depth workshops will take you step-by-step, from the initial model to the finished object. The workshops can be done as a block, for a discounted rate or they can be signed up for individually. Workshops one and two are the same for either metal or glass casting; it is in the third where they diverge according to material. The first workshop, in Reproduction Moulding, will demonstrate a variety of moulding techniques, as well as some handy tips for determining volume thus saving substantially on material costs. These primary reproduction moulds will then be used to make multiple positives including waxes. The resultant waxes will be used to facilitate the second in this series of four workshops: Refractory Mould Making. This workshop explores investment type refractory mould making materials and techniques that have been proved effective in casting both metal and glass via the “lost wax” process. The moulds made in this workshop will then be "burned out" in preparation for a bronze pour or 'kiln-firing'; the third workshop. The third and final workshop will be Casting: the bronze metal pour then finishing & patination or the Kiln-casting and grinding & polishing for glass. Participants can sign-up for these workshops as a package or individually with prerequisites. (see Workshop descriptions below for the requirements). Reproduction Mouldmaking for Artists & Architects Dates: Mon 2nd & Tue 3rd April | Thurs 25th & Fri 26th Oct
The resultant waxes can be used to facilitate an investigation of refractory mould making materials and techniques that have been proved most effective in casting both metal and glass via the “lost wax” process. Refractory Mouldmaking for Kiln Cast Glass & Bronze Casting Dates: Sat 2nd, Sun 3rd & Mon 4th June | Sat 27th, Sun 28th & Mon 29th Oct
All pertinent aspects of refractory moulding will be covered. Participants will need both sketch book and note book; be ready with ideas to pursue, and open to learn. Large amounts of material will be covered in a relatively short time. Participants need to come with a wax positive or rubber mould. This can be made in the Reproduction Moulding for Artists & Architects workshop. Prerequisite: Wax positive or rubber mould. Patination and Finishing of Metal Workshop Dates: Thur 3rd May to Fri 1st June | Sat 22nd & Sun 23rd September
Participants will learn safe effective cold-working procedure: cutting, grinding, carving, polishing, hand lapping, and sand blasting. Many helpful "tricks" and time saving "short cuts" will be demonstrated as applicable to this arduous, yet gratifying, process. Significant texts on patination of copper based metals will be made available for reference and discussion. Some basic patinas will be demonstrated. Please come with wellies and rain gear and a bronze object for patinating. Portfolio Development & Professional PracticeTutor: Christine Mackey
Christine Mackey is an artist exploring contemporary drawing practice within a range of social and environmental contexts.
Pottery and the Art of Ceramic Construction Workshop Trainer: Ross Cochrane This course is aimed at the public and visual artists and is suitable for beginners and intermediate levels alike; it will focus on a basic knowledge of Ceramic making and production, providing the skills necessary to create objects through differing processes. This workshop will enable the learner to demonstrate principles of Ceramic construction, and will focus on making, decoration and finishing techniques, through an exploration of both sculptural and functional forms, as well as kiln firing, packing and preparation. Participants will receive hands on support throughout the lessons, applying these skills towards creating personalized objects. Areas covered during the course will be as follows: Hand-building / Coil-building / Slabmaking / Throwing (pottery) / and Slip casting. Relevant Health and Safety issues will be covered throughout. The Use of Glazes in Ceramic Art Workshop Trainer: Ross Cochrane
This course is aimed at the public and visual artists and is suitable for beginners and intermediate levels alike. It is designed to provide practical information about glaze variations, and differing methods of decoration within Ceramics. The course provides technical issues regarding glaze materials and firing conditions on different clay bodies, as well as, safety procedures during glaze preparation and the use of glazes on food vessels. The course offers an opportunity for participants to learn about techniques and experimentation with glazes for different effects. It will focus on basic clay mixtures for different types of firing, and contrasts of color, tone and texture. Areas covered during the course are: Glaze make-up and composition, technical process’, safety procedures and firing methods. Born in Cavan, Ross Cochrane studied at Sligo IT, the University of Wales and the University of Ulster, receiving a BA Fine Art; a PgDip / MA Fine Art and a PgCFHE, respectively. A recipient of the Tommy Mc Loughlin memorial award, Ross has exhibited widely in Ireland and internationally, most recently at the Bluewall Gallery (2010), Leitrim Sculpture Centre (2010) and the Customs House Studios (2009). He lectures in third level education (Painting / Drawing / Sculpture / Ceramics). He is also an education curator, delivering creative arts programs through ‘OutReachOne’, an education provider, working with primary schools and community groups. Having primarily studied as a painter, his practice has gravitated to more multi-disciplinary approaches.
|
 |
Aimed at visual artists, this workshop focuses on digital print media as a means for expanding ones current visual art practice. It is also suited to participants who have little or no experience with digital print. Artists will work from original images and/or scanned drawings/photographic images of a high resolution. We will mainly use Photo Shop as a means to manipulate the drawings/photographic images through layering, collage etc … Images will be printed up to A1 size. Images can also be printed in B+W and on gloss, matt or satin-finish paper. Artists should come with digital images or hardcopy to be scanned.
This course offers a study of the basic principles and elements of Graphic Design. Using industry standard software you will develop the ability and confidence to determine appropriate and successful designs. This course is designed to help you achieve basic knowledge and skills in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign.
Weekend courses are designed especially for those participants who will be able to cover the basics of their chosen subject and will provide them ample time for ‘hand-on’ opportunities to learn new skills. Small classes ensure more press time and interaction with master printer Pete Williams. Throughout each course you will be encouraged to experiment with each process and develop your own prints while you learn.
Participants will make a piece of sculpture working directly with wax, vent and sprew, make an investment mould and cast their own piece on the final day to make a finished bronze. 
An intensive two day tuition in metalwork with a particular focus on welding, cutting and metal fabrication (Arc, gas & TIG). The intent of the workshop is to tailor it to the specific needs and requirements of the participant and to show the versatility and application of the materials to practice. All relevant health & safety issues will also be covered. No experience is required.
Participants will learn safe effective cold-working procedure: cutting, grinding, carving, polishing, hand lapping, and sand blasting. Many helpful "tricks" and time saving "short cuts" will be demonstrated as applicable to this arduous, yet gratifying, process. Significant texts on patination of copper based metals will be made available for reference and discussion. Some basic patinas will be demonstrated. Please come with wellies and rain gear.
Traditional woodturning presented in two different formats, the first workshop will be in spindle turning and the second workshop in bowl/faceplate turning. Through demonstration and practical examples participants will be given a good grounding in the primary woodturning techniques.
Investigating the evolution of incised text in stone and its historical and contemporary uses. In depth look at the modern alphabet and its individual letters; designing and laying out an inscription; positive and negative spaces; demonstration of lettercutting technique. Participants will design an inscription and cut some sample letters in Irish and English.
Dates: Sat 21st & Sun 22nd |Mon 23rd & Tue 24th April | Sat 15th & Sun 16th | Mon 17th & Tue 18th Sept
This two-day course will introduce you to the potential of molten glass as a creative material through the process of “Hot” casting into sand moulds. You will have the opportunity to ladle glass straight from the furnace and pour right into prepared “open faced” sand moulds using found and sculpted objects. This is the most direct method to create your own solid sculptural forms in glass. No previous glass working experience required and all materials are provided. Feel free to bring in your own objects to press in the sand. Appropriate footwear is a must: leather boots preferred, leather shoes acceptable; No open toed shoes or sandals!
This three-day course will introduce you to the potential of Zicar; this 'space-age' mould material exhibits excellent surface reproduction with an optical finish. Molten glass can be poured directly into 'light weight' porous moulds with no need for "gating & venting". You will have the opportunity to ladle glass straight from the furnace and pour into preheated sculptural moulds. This is the most 'cutting edge' mould method for hot-casting your own solid sculptural forms in glass. No previous glass working experience required and Zircar is provided. 
This workshop will cover a variety of reproduction mould making techniques, from: Traditional multi-part plaster Moulds, Dental Alginate, Cheap plumber's silicone sealant moulds, up to and including fibre glass backed silicone rubber production moulds. There will be discussions of "separators", fillers, coddling approaches and best practice. These primary reproduction moulds will then be used to make multiple positives including some waxes. The information shared in this workshop has applications in art, craft, and design as well as architectural restoration. The associate will take away one or more reproduction moulds. Prerequisite: Objects for moulding. 
This in depth workshop covers the theory and techniques used in casting either bronze or glass. Tips for wax working, (pour cups, sprewing, gating, and venting) investment type refractory mould construction approaches (face-coats {brush on & splash}, Roman or Italian hand built, cores and poured monolithic) will be discussed with an aim towards enabling participants to "customize" their approach to fit their vision. A range of Primary model materials will be demonstrated, principally wax, working through to the final refractory moulds, thus some previous knowledge of, and experience with: clay, wax, or plaster work is helpful to participants.
Designed to equip artists with the skills and knowledge to present their work to professional art specialists such as third-level institutes, curators, funders, local authorities & private companies, both National and International.| ©2011 Leitrim Sculpture Centre, Manorhamilton, Leitrim, Ireland. | | Tel: + 353 (0)71 9855098 | Email: info[at]leitrimsculpturecentre.ie | | Location |